Award for park and ride before it even officially launches
Stratford Park and Ride – the first full-time such scheme in Warwickshire – has carried off the West Midlands Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Sustainability Award 2006, and that’s before it even officially launches next month.
Stratford Park and Ride opened early in November of last year, despite finishing touches still being made, to allow drivers to enjoy hassle free parking over the Christmas period.
Buses operated by Johnsons of Henley run from the site into the town centre every 10 minutes on each day of the week.
The site is currently operating, but will officially launch next month on Tuesday, June 13, offering a purpose-built customer services building with waiting room, toilets, vending machines and security office. The site will by this date also have permanent facilities for the disabled.
Warwickshire County Council developed the scheme at a site near the junction of the A46 with the A3400 Birmingham Road and it provides an alternative to car travel into Stratford town centre.
ICE President Gordon Masterton presented the award at a ceremony attended by more than 100 guests at Millennium Point.
Cllr Martin Heatley, Warwickshire County Council’s Cabinet member for Environmental Services, said: “This is great news for the scheme which is already going from strength to strength with usage increasing with each passing month.
“To have won a prestigious award such as this before the scheme is even officially launched in recognition of its sustainable efforts is certainly something to be proud of.”
The scheme aims to enhance the economic viability of Stratford and improve the local environment by reducing congestion and noise pollution.
It also incorporates a sustainable drainage system that controls the flow and quality of water discharged into the local watercourse, eliminating pollution and the risk of flooding downstream through a system of swales and balancing ponds.
Christina Jackson, Chairman of the judging panel, said: “Sustainability should be a fundamental aim of all infrastructure projects and Stratford park-and-ride is an outstanding example.
“We were impressed with the attention to detail and the scheme fully deserved to win the Sustainability Award.”
Warwickshire County Council and Arup in partnership, Halcrow and Brown Matthews Partnership designed the scheme, which was built by Galliford Try and is operated by Johnsons.
There were 15 entries for the awards, with winners also chosen for construction, innovation and heritage.
The Highways Agency’s £41 million Weeford Fazeley Improvement Scheme picked up the Construction Award, while Network Rail’s Underframe Washer Project at its Tyseley Depot won the Innovation Award and Coalport Bridge